What do you want us to talk/write about? Showing 301-350 of 1,312

[Carol]

I never even considered giving up books for Lent! There are some things you just can't live without. Though naming 3 sounds like fun, I think I'll keep them to myself so as not to offend someone who absolutley loved the books that I could toss.

[Linda]

GIVE UP BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!

[Julie]

Linda wrote: "GIVE UP BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!"

Never. Would have to be blind. Or deaf. Or both.

[Readnponder]

Re giving up books for Lent.

I remember being shocked the first time I read Lauren Winner's memoir "Girl Meets God" where she talks about how her priest suggested she give up books for Lent. She did, and writes about the experience. Lauren is quite bookish and it was difficult 6 weeks.

I know I could not survive such an experience, but reading her account challenged me one year to give up FICTION for Lent. I felt that I was spending too much time disconnected from the real world and using fiction as an escape drug. (Granted there are worse substances to abuse.) It turned out to be a worthwhile project. During those 6 weeks I explored other genres that I would not have picked up had fiction been available. Since then, I've done a better job of incorporating non-fiction into my reading plan and feel I'm connected to both the real and fictional worlds.

[Carol]

This morning a goodreads member mentioned a solution to my uncomfortableness with the star ratings. She suggested that I not rate my comments. This got me thinking. It might be a solution but I wonder if members of this forum would bother to read the comments. If a book you are planning to read has a one or two star rating, do you read it? Do you read the comments? make your own decisions. I thought this might make an interesting topic. How much to you rely on comments on goodreads, booksonthenightstand or professional reviewers to guide your reading choices?

[Amy]

Carol wrote: "This morning a goodreads member mentioned a solution to my uncomfortableness with the star ratings. She suggested that I not rate my comments. This got me thinking. It might be a solution but I won..."

I am curious what others thing, but I rarely rely on the reviews or ratings when selecting books. I would, however, be very likely to take into account a friend or colleague's direct recommendation.

[Melissa]

I pay no attention to the star ratings on Goodreads. I prefer to follow the discussion on a particular book. I do look at recommendations from Books on the Nightstand, Nancy Pearl, Sword and Laser, Bookmarks, the Guardian, and the New York Times Book Review. I have a couple of friends and relatives that I can rely on for recommendations, but my taste in books does not match the taste of most of my friends and colleagues.

[Carol]

Good to know and thanks for commenting. I am truly interested.

I do watch what my goodreads friends are reading and have picked up some great books from their suggestions. I love listening to BOTN and find more to add to my shelves from this and the group. I browse many review sources, read blogs, etc. I work in a library and purchase adult materials so am always looking for good material. I'm bound to find some for myself along the way :)!

[Leah]

Amy wrote: "Carol wrote: "This morning a goodreads member mentioned a solution to my uncomfortableness with the star ratings. She suggested that I not rate my comments. This got me thinking. It might be a solu..."

I notice the "law of large numbers" has a great effect on what a book is rated when you call it up. Look at books - when more than 500 people have rated it, unless it is a fantastic or terrible read, it's rating is always somewhere in the "3"s. I think the best way to decide what books to read is to find those who have smiliar taste and ponder to their thoughts when choosing.
I can also say some of the best books I've read were totally by accident.

[Carol]

Leah Wrote: I think the best way to decide what books to read is to find those who have smiliar taste and ponder to their thoughts when choosing.
I can also say some of the best books I've read were totally by accident.

I think you've hit the nail on the head. Rather than worry about the stars, considert the books by friends you trust, and go with your own feelings.

I do enjoy comparing books when I come across a review on goodreads that I like. Interestingly you and I have enjoyed 6 of the same books. Of your favorites I loved Art of Racing in the Rain but absolutely did not like Pet Semetery, though I'm a big King fan :)! I'll explore the rest of your list.

And yes, those books you pick up by accident can be some of the best!

[Callie]

I have a question, and wasn't sure where to post it. So I thought this could be as good a place as any. If you are reading a book (or in the case that happened to me recently, an ebook), and you come across a definite typo, should you let anyone know?

Specifically, I recently read an e-book (from one of the retreat authors), and the author's name and the book name were randomly placed in the middle of sentences in the middle of the book, where they obviously didn't belong.

I don't have the exact sentence with me, but I think it was along the lines of, "She felt a hard *author name* slap across her face," or something along those lines.

[Katie]

Hi Callie - if you can find a general email address for the publisher, definitely let them know. Mistakes like that happen frequently in ebooks these days because publishers are still working out the kinks, and they can be easily fixed. As with any errata, they often do find their way in house to the right people who will make the fix if they can. The feedback is much appreciated!

[Kokeshi]

Tamara wrote: "Love, love, loved the interview with Ian McEwan! More interviews with authors would be awesome. I especially liked his take on 2 book we can't wait for you to read :)"

I agree. Ann did a great job. It doesn't get any better than interviewing Ian McEwan!!

[Gerald]

I thought it might be a good idea for readers and listeners to recommend their favorite reading or library podcast(besides BOTNS of course).ger

[Kokeshi]

Gerald wrote: "I thought it might be a good idea for readers and listeners to recommend their favorite reading or library podcast(besides BOTNS of course).ger"

Try "Guys Can Read." They get better with every episode.

Also, Guardian Books podcast, New York Times Book Review, BBC Book of the Month, The Next Chapter from CBC, Writers and Company from CBC.

[Katie]

Gerald wrote: "I thought it might be a good idea for readers and listeners to recommend their favorite reading or library podcast(besides BOTNS of course).ger"

Besides BOTNS and NYT Book Review, my regular listening includes the Kindle Chronicles which is not strictly about books but rather a fascinating and extremely well done podcast about the e-publishing industry. Len Edgerly often mentions a terrific book or two and I like his recommendations, that's why I mention it here--especially for you Kindle lovers! Another favorite is Book Lust with Nancy Pearl, the Seattle librarian who published several "Book Lust" books. She interviews an interesting mix of authors.

I always look forward to my daily exercise because that's when I plug in my white earpods and listen up.

[Callie]

I am also a big fan of the enthusiasticast (enthusiasticast.com), two guys who are very funny and generally don't give bad reviews. They also talk about other pop culture things occasionally (movies, mostly). The only caveat is, if you have issues with swearing, then probably skip it, because they swear openly. But I really enjoy it!

[Jennifer]

I'll add a vote for the Enthusiasticast! I love the way they just crack each other up, swear, make fun of each other - it makes me feel like I'm out drinking with a couple of smart, funny guys when I'm really driving home from work. I don't even care what book they are talking about because the podcast is so much fun. I hope they never get really "professional" and filter their comments or stop swearing because their off the cuff responses make the show.

[Ann]

We should start a campaign to get the Enthusiasticast guys to the next retreat...

[Callie]

Ann wrote: "We should start a campaign to get the Enthusiasticast guys to the next retreat..."

I had wondered if they were going in the first place- maybe we'll go to Toronto next time? :)

[Gerald]

Sound quality(thankfully not a problem with BOTNS)and inside joking might have caused me to cancel TE podcast.I will try them again.ger

PS I like structure of some kind in my podcast not a laugh a thon or drink a thon.

[Jennifer]

I can certainly understand that the Enthusiasticast may not appeal to everyone. I enjoy the casualness but think that plenty of people would like a more structured format. I also didn't mean to imply that they are drinking while doing the podcast - I just felt like listening to an episode feels like a night out with friends, more conversational.

[Callie]

I would definitely recommend listening to the first couple of episodes, and then you can skip around somewhat. The other thing that I like about them is they have very detailed show notes. When you're listening, they'll even let you know that there are spoilers coming, and in the show notes it will tell you when you can start listening again.

To me, the only downside is the sound quality, but since I listen to a lot of AM radio, it doesn't bother me too much! Definitely makes you appreciate the sound quality of BotNS, which has definitely improved over time!

[Rita]

I like them, but I stopped listening to them. The sound really got to me after awhile and it got to the point where I couldn't follow them because they were laughing too much. Not that it is a bad thing, but because of the sound quality I found them hard to follow when laughter ensued.

[Karen]

I know BOTNS has covered prize-winning books before but I always enjoy hearing whether Anne's and Michael's opinions of these books are in synch with the literary panels/committees who choose them. NPR posted a piece today on Jennifer Egan winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. One of my favorites from 2010. Congratulations to Ms. Egan! What do other BOTNS readers think about this novel?
Looking forward to the next podcast as always...

[[deleted user]]

Kbrown wrote: "I know BOTNS has covered prize-winning books before but I always enjoy hearing whether Anne's and Michael's opinions of these books are in synch with the literary panels/committees who choose them...."

I haven't read this one yet, but my book club is reading it in June -- I was lucky enough to win a book club call-in from Ms Egan for this book so we shuffled our schedule to accommodate!

[Karen]

Suzanne,
You are going to have a book chat with a Pulitzer Prize-winning author! Wow!!

After you've read "Goon Squad" you should check out The Morning News' Tournament of Books competition bracket for 2011 (an NCAA basketball type bracket but with BOOKS).You can access this by visiting their website at themorningnews.org/tob/. Egan's book makes it to the final round and each time it's evaluated by a reviewer judging their specific match-up they provide further insight into the novel. I look forward to this tournament every year. Hope you feel the recommendation worthwhile! I was directed to their website by Anne and Michael at BOTNS. Yet another of their recommendations that continues to enrich my reading experience!

Hopefully we'll hear about your book club's experience with the author chat. Have fun!

[Cindy]

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/20...

This article presents an interesting concept for readers. Might make a good discussion topic.

[Shona]

Cindy wrote: "http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/20...

This article presents an interesting concept for r..."

Great article Cindy...thanks for sharing!

[Gerald]

I thought it might be a good idea for BOTNS to discuss
the following.If a book has two authors listed like this
one what does the second listed author do? I mean of course an author like Patterson who is listed in big letters when the other guy is listed in tiny letters.What does the other author do?ger

[Linda]

Gerald wrote: "I thought it might be a good idea for BOTNS to discuss
the following.If a book has two authors listed like this
one what does the second listed author do? I mean..."

I think that James Patterson has become the Thomas Kincaid of authors. He "interns" other writers, giving them a formula, they write it and then puts his name on the book so it will sell.

[Louise]

Hi

I keep hearing how little translated fiction Americans generally read, and was wondering, if you could do a couple of theme episodes about translated fiction.
Like great French/European/Icelandic/Asian/Brasillian authors, that have been translated into English. Or great foreign love stories/crime novels etc.

Just an idea :-)
Thanks for a great podcast
Louise

[[deleted user]]

Louise wrote: "Hi

I keep hearing how little translated fiction Americans generally read, and was wondering, if you could do a couple of theme episodes about translated fiction.
Like great French/European/Icela..."

Ooh yes please!

[Kokeshi]

Louise wrote: "Hi

I keep hearing how little translated fiction Americans generally read, and was wondering, if you could do a couple of theme episodes about translated fiction.
Like great French/European/Icela..."


I agree. This would be a great topic.

[Julie]

I would agree with Louise, Suzanne and Kokeshi. My own bias is for 20th C. Norwegian women's fiction (you're right - not much in translation!)

[Ann]

Love the idea of the translations!

[Teresa]

Not sure if this has been brought up before, but what families containing more than one published author?

[[deleted user]]

Chris wrote: "This may be a bit on the morbid side, but I thought of this thread when I was driving in this morning, listening to a wonderful interview with Reynolds Price, who recently passed away. How about to..."

Not morbid! A good idea.

[[deleted user]]

Tamara wrote: "Love, love, loved the interview with Ian McEwan! More interviews with authors would be awesome. I especially liked his take on 2 book we can't wait for you to read :)"

I agree! I would love to hear more interviews with authors. It´s always so fun to hear about other peoples favorite books, more of that please!

[Gerald]

I just thought that it might be an interesting podcast to discuss if anyone has met or listened to a really important man or woman of letters.Someone who might be considered a really important writer from the last century.To put it this way,you go to a sports banquet and the guest are Joe DiMaggio and Bob Feller and when you get close to them your hand is shaking and...you know what I mean.ger

[Mary]

How about great books you read years ago or as a young adult that you liked and then reread as an adult. Were they still good, better, worse?

[Ann]

Mary, I've wanted to do an episode like that for years -- but I'm too afraid to reread my childhood favorites in case they don't hold up!

[Louise]

I'm feeling that way about the Borrible trilogy. I read the first book in Danish when I was 9-10 y and thought it was AWESOME!!! now I bought the collected trilogy in English, but I'm really nervous to start reading...

[Callie]

I made the mistake of rereading a Babysitter's Club book. While I ADORED the books as a kid, gobbled them up like candy, now I find them unreadable. I should have left well enough alone.

[Amy]

Callie wrote: "I made the mistake of rereading a Babysitter's Club book. While I ADORED the books as a kid, gobbled them up like candy, now I find them unreadable. I should have left well enough alone."

Sweet Valley High and Sweet Valley Twins by Francine Pascal were my absolute favs when I was a kid. I too devoured them much to the chagrine of my parents who had to keep buying me books because the library couldn't get them fast enough! The author recently published a brand new adult (I think) book about the twins 10 years later. I bought it on my Nook, but I have been afraid to read it in case I too am let down.

[Anna]

I loved "The Outsiders" by SE Hinton when I was young and regretted re reading it - It just wasn't as powerful and meaningful any more - But I did re read the book "Seal Morning" - I think it was by Rowena Farre and I loved it just as much as when Id read it as a youngster - so I guess it depends a lot on the book really??

[Melissa]

Ann-marie wrote: "Tamara wrote: "Love, love, loved the interview with Ian McEwan! More interviews with authors would be awesome. I especially liked his take on 2 book we can't wait for you to read :)"

I agree! I wo..."

Although I enjoyed Ann's interview with Ian McEwan, I feel there are enough podcasts out there with author interviews. I most enjoy the episodes with just Ann and Michael discussing books and publishing.

[Gerald]

Melissa wrote: "Ann-marie wrote: "Tamara wrote: "Love, love, loved the interview with Ian McEwan! More interviews with authors would be awesome. I especially liked his take on 2 book we can't wait for you to read ..."I enjoy listening to interviews,anything that expands the podcast.ger

[Ann]

Melissa wrote: "Although I enjoyed Ann's interview with Ian McEwan, I feel there are enough podcasts out there with author interviews...."

Melissa, we agree, which is why Michael and I agreed from the very start that we wouldn't do author interviews on BOTNS. But really, how could I say no to Ian McEwan?

I think we may see a few more author interviews going forward but they will be rare, and they will be authors that Michael and/or I feel very passionate about wanting you to "meet." Also, they won't be standard interviews about the current book, etc. Instead, I think they would be more focused on topics surrounding books and reading, and maybe a topic relevant to their new book -- but not all about the book, if that makes sense. I tried to do that with Ian McEwan -- you guys can tell me if I was successful or not -- but people seemed to really love his "2 books I can't wait for you to read" segment.

[Anna]

I really enjoyed the iAn mcewan interview as it wasn't the usual so it felt like a nice alternative and it was really informative ... Look forward to any others .... Thanks